Spiders, Hearts, & Knives: The Boy of the Prophecy

By DISTXRT8D WALLPAP3R

An old tale tells of one of the universe’s most prized treasures titled the Araknyd, which was the embodiment of the eight ultimate chakras of the universe. The chakras were represented by its eight legs, which were separated from it. Some said it would grant the user the aptitude to become the ultimate being, and some said it was able to give life as easily as it could take it away. The Araknyd was held inside a temple on a pedestal, dormant, waiting to be activated by all eight of its legs, which were each protected by an oracle, a part of a group called the 8-Legged Anatomy. Along with the treasure, there was a prophecy that spoke of a young man who was immune to poison. He could harness all eight chakras of the universe, and he would be the one that brought them all together.
When a boy named Paul meets a ravishing spider named Roxy, she takes him to a place where he learns about the legend of the Araknyd. Before long, they also conjure a demon named Violet that gets added to the team. The three of them embark on a quest, defeating deities of anguish, making baneful decisions, and risking the fate of existence to retrieve those eight legs and not only awaken the power, but stop the completed Araknyd from falling into the wrong hands.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Oct 20, 2022
• ISBN: 9781663221360

DISTXRT8D WALLPAP3R

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SPIDERS, HEARTS,

& KNIVES

The Boy of the Prophecy

DISTXRT8D WALLPAP3R

SPIDERS, HEARTS, & KNIVES

THE BOY OF THE PROPHECY

Copyright © 2022 DISTXRT8D WALLPAP3R.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means,

graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by

any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author

except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

iUniverse

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in

this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views

expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the

views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

ISBN: 978-1-6632-2135-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6632-2137-7 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-6632-2136-0 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2021922250

iUniverse rev. date: 09/13/2022

Contents

Chapter 1    Paul White

1.A Gypsy’s Fortune

2.Birth of Paul

3.Third Year

4.Youth Academy

5.Little Kids

6.Back to School

7.Friendly Wagers

8.New Bullies

9.Benny Saves the Day

10.Sophomore Year

11.Cigarettes

12.Senior Year

13.Missing Person

14.Benny Returns

Chapter 2    Roxanne Rose

1.The Scarecrow

2.Roxy

3.I What?

4.Steve, The Bridge Camel

5.Light Blue County

6.The Forgotten

7.Len Urateki

8.The White Panther

9.Camel Time

10.Royal Blue County

11.Ready Soul

12.That’s Life

13.Teleport

14.Teal Fusion & The Mediator of Souls

15.Judgement

16.The Black

17.The Legend of the Araknyd

18.Offers & Rewards

19.Big Decisions

20.Offer Accepted

Chapter 3    The Tutorial

1.O’s Techniques

2.Ability Skins

3.Materializing Tangibility

4.The Pause Menu

5.The Poni

6.Chloe

7.Ability Share

8.New Skins

9.Hyper Suit

10.Basic Combat

11.Checkmate

12.Meanwhile on Aclysys: Part 1

13.Samurai Paul

14.Crime Scene Footage

15.Poltergeist Detective: Part 1

16.In a Phone Book

17.Poltergeist Detective: Part 2

18.Meanwhile on Aclysys: Part 2

19.Poltergeist Detective: Part 3

20.Len & Kanvis

21.Just A Few More Things

22.Back to Aclysys

Chapter 4    A Phantom’s Revenge

1.Paul’s Room

2.Mother White

3.Catching Up

4.Onward to Revenge

5.The Road to West Yon

6.Dayis Glint

7.Hidden Paul

8.Kone Robi

9.Wanted

10.Timothy Burner

11.Cheese

12.Anthony Nathan

13.I Wanna Be Famous

14.Overdrive

15.Questions With Marla

16.WTF Paul

17.Learn to Smile

18.Mogan Humphry

19.Umeyuki

20.Katapult

21.District 11

22.Maribel Summers

23.Genocide 83

24.Tyler Mussett

25.You Done Did It Now

26.Funeral

27.The Quest Begins

Chapter 5    The Black Leg: Chakra of Destruction

1.Coral Anne

2.Indigo Gems

3.Border Control

4.Plan To Cross

5.Dolphins

6.Black Water

7.Exidis Pirates: The Zoj Kode

8.The Zoj Tournament

9.The Zoj Initiation

10.Land Ahoy

11.Delta Sigma Again

12.Eki Eki & The Soul Pouch

13.Super Compass

14.Exidis Pirates: Summit Exchange

15.Backstories

16.Imnys Mountain

17.Iknahé Ku & The Ighroki Tribe

18.The Acrylic Tribes

19.Rare Jewelry

20.Ighroki Bazaar

21.Road to Emolu Mountain

22.The Engavé Tribe

23.Tussle

24.Nonami, The First Protector

25.My Dear Friend Benny

26.Simple Fox

27.Paul Versus Nonami

28.The Black Leg: Chakra of Destruction

29.Another Funeral

30.Exapheo

Chapter 6    Rivalry & Chivalry

1.The Kingdom of Unicopia

2.The Underground Cable

3.The Piste Brothers

4.The Optical Division

5.Imnys Warfare

6.Sector 11 & 12

7.The Kaji Brothers

8.The Registrators

9.Sector 13

10.Onward to The First Battlefield

11.Feel What You Taste

12.The Krionis Branch

13.To the Docks

14.Scheme of Operations

15.Holiday Special

16.Kingdom Invasion

17.Return of Jokyu 7

18.The Bad Guys Never Win

19.Allowance for Infiltration

20.Onward to Ink Island

Chapter 7    The White Leg: Chakra of Creation

1.Tattoo Beach

2.Permanent Marks

3.Dismembered

4.Beach Bullies

5.Surfs Up Dude

6.Mirage Terrain

7.Meanwhile in West Yon

8.The Fourth Wall

9.Power Beans

10.Illusion Castle

11.Molly’s & Lolly’s Introduction

12.Merge Room

13.New Document Room

14.Banshee Room

15.Trippy Room

16.Illusion Room

17.Mova Artays

18.Tea for Three

19.Roxy’s Story

20.Magic & Rings

21.The White Leg: Chakra of Creation

22.Mystical Gifts & Pocket Dimensions

23.Extra Eye

24.Tadeki Dot

25.Teleportation Device

26.Thanks, Mova

Chapter 8    The Jade Leg: Chakra of Dominion

1.Home Sweet Home

2.Unicopia’s Museum of Bugs

3.The Stag Beetle

4.The Wasp

5.Arachnid Gallery

6.Cool Spider Facts

7.New Breed

8.The Royal Residence of Unicopia

9.King Clayton & Queen Cinnamon

10.Yogurt Smoke

11.The Dark Realm

12.Monster Attributes

13.The Front Gates

14.Giant Egg

15.Kaskit

16.Dinosaur Pack

17.Mini-Volcanoes

18.Fenix

19.Look at That Thing Over There

20.The Tulip Fairy

21.Chantero

22.Wildlife

23.Rensho

24.Nubo

25.Fishermen

26.Ghyidi

27.Isfit

28.The Pavilion

29.The Glitch Trio

30.Noeji

31.Ekys, Muembi, Igi, Bailin, & Lunavera

32.Parasite

33.Whack-A-Igi

34.The Glitch Show

35.Peridot Lion

36.Ponus

37.Bodies Inside of Bodies

38.Jyniko

39.Rotate

40.First Hero Found

41.The Shinobi & The Poison Shuriken

42.Dunedé

43.Clyk

44.The Cyber World

45.Level 1: Baseball

46.Meanwhile with Yogurt & Peter

47.Level 2: Basketball

48.Level 3: Soccer

49.Level 4: Obstacle Course

50.Level 5: Roshambo

51.Back to The Dark Realm

52.True & False

53.Yui

54.Yogurt’s Tent

55.Whispers

56.Guitsoa

57.Venious Lake

58.New Baby Friend

59.Jindo Sin

60.Eclyptis

61.Road to the Tree

62.Blake & Analyze

63.The Sisr Tree Area

64.Psyleon & Question

65.Altercations

66.Ababio

67.Malaya’s House

68.Azhyadin

69.Bitclaw & Dot

70.Unejati

71.Meanwhile at the Headquarters

72.Yanyé

73.Vyolin

74.Xyan

75.Iclyo

76.Jhanko

77.Genion

78.The Sisr Tree

79.Ohajia

80.Kingdom Anxiety

81.Byn

82.Donécly Swamp

83.Flizard

84.Which Face

85.Dizacious

86.Robot Creatures

87.Hijobi

88.The Optical Division Headquarters

89.Mryion

90.Man Versus Machine

91.Brother Versus Brother

92.Group Calamity

93.Surrender

94.Onward to Donécly Point

95.Mancali & Anyo

96.Zenzaku

97.Mouse

98.Screen

99.The Stone in the Mountains

100.Elayis

101.What Just Happened?

102.The Jade Leg: Chakra of Dominion

103.Malaya’s Daycare

104.The Heroes Have Returned

105.Back to Illusion Castle

Chapter 9    The Amethyst Leg: Chakra of Poison

1.Quail Feather Dock

2.Animal Combos

3.K.K. Lollipop

4.Return of the Zoj Kode

5.Welcome Aboard Milo Cedar Again

6.Jazo Gordin Stuff

7.Phinoki Island

8.Cool Runnings

9.Wizard Hills

10.Anslum

11.Mighty Anslum

12.Coastline Rush

13.Sesar Port

14.Alicror

15.Welcome to Zekian

16.Dudolis Valley

17.Dudolis Springs

18.The Mining Pyramid

19.Membership Application

20.Fancy Ore

21.Zekian Bandits

22.The Guru’s Guild

23.Clue Seekers

24.The Fire Guru

25.Resource Stadium

26.Pyro Skin Versus Pyro Master

27.Guru Patches

28.Entrance to the Guru Guild

29.The Medicine Guru

30.The Stone Guru

31.This is Where We Depart

32.The Goat In The Barn

33.Atsuyané & The Dinner Buffet

34.Back to the Barn

35.Origami Crane

36.Cherry Acres

37.Butterfly Lake

38.Gran Etang Lake

39.Bad Luck Mermaid

40.Sneaky Goblin

41.Kinetic Nature

42.Cherry Blossom Trees

43.The Purple Heart

44.A Demon’s Second Chance

45.The Flower Guru

46.The Necro Guru

47.The Process & The Ingredients

48.The Ritual

49.The Drink

50.The Ceremony

51.The Curse

52.Ambient Lake

53.The Amethyst Leg: Chakra of Poison

54.Titan on Titan

55.Demon Awakened

Chapter 10  I Love Violet

1.Violet Ivy

2.Welcome to the Team

3.Roxy & Violet: Part 1

4.Violet Has Got to Go

5.Chains

6.I Got Soap

7.Deals with a Demon

8.Leprechaun Lottery

9.New Babsha

10.Road to Fantasy

11.Fantasyopolis

12.The Ice Cream Scene

13.Toys

14.Roxy & Violet: Part 2: Side A

15.Meanwhile with Paul: Part 1

16.Roxy & Violet: Part 2: Side B

17.Meanwhile with Paul: Part 2

18.Toy Castle

19.Roxy & Violet: Part 3: Air Vents

20.Checkout

21.Joys

22.The Opposite of Joys

23.Superhero Paul

24.The CEO Floor

25.Violet’s Story: Part 1: Mother Ivy

26.Slime Pit

27.Violet’s Story: Part 2: The Power of Love

28.Mission: Rescue Atsuyané

Chapter 11  The Ruby Leg: Chakra of Blood

1.Journey of Heroism

2.Violet’s Box

3.Bird Eaters

4.Keys & Locked Doors

5.The City of Yesterday

6.The Wheels on the Bus Don’t Actually Go Round & Round

7.No Distractions

8.The Gate of Today

9.The City of Tomorrow

10.Every Story has to Include a Weird Old Cat Lady

11.Parade in the Square

12.Street Performance

13.Outskirts

14.Demon Reunion

15.Paul’s Plan, Atsuyané’s Options

16.Don’t Mess with Time

17.Operation: Switch the Button

18.Violet’s New Habitat

19.It’s Totally Kyle: Part 1

20.Meanwhile with the Ops

21.It’s Totally Kyle: Part 2

22.Solstice City

23.The Daily Message

24.Bloodlet Castle

25.The Ivory Council

26.The Royal Slaughterhouse

27.Dinner is Served

28.The Grand Foyer

29.Demon in a Jar

30.Lamb Rogan Josh

31.City Lore

32.Kindred Paul

33.The Celestial Pillar

34.Activation Key

35.Vampire Sanctuary

36.Day & Night

37.Equinox City: Part 1: Canine Purge

38.The Noumenon Icon

39.Equinox City: Part 2: On the Field

40.Atsuyané’s Proposal

41.The Ghost of Halloween: Ellen Lee’s Hex

42.The Registrators & The Titans

43.Equinox City: Part 3: Werewolf Slayers

44.Jaxly Village

45.The Dawn of Preparation

46.Extreme Dungeon

47.Return to Equinox

48.The Dead Area

49.The Ahdrodyan

50.The Suligan

51.The Izgacia

52.Homicide Frequency

53.The Dviorion

54.We’ve Found the Thing

55.Shapeshifting Souvenir

56.Ietian’s Proposal

57.What Could’ve Been a Midnight Massacre

58.The Return of Ietian.

59.The Ruby Leg: Chakra of Blood

60.Chesepeake

61.A Call from Jokyu 7

62.Yet Another Time Warp

Chapter 12  The Sapphire Leg: Chakra of Rhythm

1.Welcome to Zone 6

2.Free Samples

3.Rappers

4.In Da Trap

5.Flicky P’s

6.Blue Radio

7.The 8 Step Process

8.Zone 6 Goat Awards

9.Back to the Past

10.Designer Clothes

11.Run Up On Me: Part 1

12.On the Block

13.Grandma’s Specialty

14.The Worst Sound Ever: Part 1

15.Link Up

16.Downtown Zone 6

17.Thotian’s Box

18.Phillip’s Plaza

19.The Antidote Store

20.The FyWeb Store

21.The Food Court

22.The Worst Sound Ever: Part 2

23.The Girl’s Locker Room

24.Run Up On Me: Part 2

25.Licks & Stains

26.New Ice

27.Nominee Meetup

28.Justice for Fire: Part 1

29.Birthday Special

30.One Stop Shop

31.Access Denied

32.Thoughts of Betrayal

33.Nuclear Flow

34.Justice for Fire: Part 2

35.Red Lights

36.The Contest

37.Are You Okay, Violet?

38.The Ceremony

39.Justice for Fire: Part 3: Shadows of Emania Legacy

40.The Sapphire Leg: Chakra of Rhythm

41.Wanna Make a Movie?

42.Heartsfield Airport

43.Plane Rides

Chapter 13  The Golden Leg: Chakra of Philosophy

1.Baggage Claim

2.Karaoke, The Skull Snail

3.Mt. Yudon

4.A Good Riddle

5.The Jittler

6.Outback Icoria

7.Meanwhile in Zekian

8.New Animal

9.Michelle Thomas

10.Population

11.Mystery Meat

12.Mach Vulture

13.Trace, Traced, Retrace

14.Sad Therapist, Killer Doctor

15.The Forest Where No One Goes

16.Secret Vigilante

17.The Bridge

18.The Winery

19.The Waterfall

20.Ibujaijai & Mlinya

21.Badwa & The Jagged Rocks

22.Assault Magnet

23.A Humble Abode in the Middle of Nowhere

24.Lab Time with Professor Jishaku

25.Maximum Chip

26.Planet Series

27.Mini-Rocket

28.Outer Space

29.Alien Encounter

30.Meteor Market

31.Astronaut Hunter

32.Galactic Battleships

33.A Safe Landing

34.What’s the Matter?

35.Molecular Weapons

36.The Golden Leg: Chakra of Philosophy

Chapter 14  The Platinum Leg: Chakra of Iridescence

1.It Will Always Smell Like Home Here

2.A Light Gray Cloak with a Red Trim

3.The Last Protector

4.The Great Tornado: The Backstory

5.The Onyx Wasp

6.The Crystal Projects

7.Dragon Vouchers

8.Cold City with Hot Tendencies

9.Alfred Brown’s Blacksmith & Weapon Shop

10.The Poray Residence

11.Dragon Summoning

12.Gore Mountain

13.Workout Mountain

14.Teardrop Mountain

15.Dragon Tales

16.Draco Alliance

17.The Five Zars

18.The Yeti is Spaghetti

19.Robot Sharks

20.Butterfly Boy

21.It’s Not an Hourglass if the Sand Doesn’t Drop in an Hour

22.Bug Alliance

23.Wild Dragon

24.Old Message

25.The Great Tornado: Approach

26.Violet & Akira

27.The Dragon & The Tornado

28.Saviors of Cren Park

29.Rocks for Gold

30.The Platinum Leg: Chakra of Iridescence

31.Forbidden Chakras

32.Next Stop: Araknyd Temple

Chapter 15  Araknyd Awakened

1.Proceed with Caution

2.Journey Through the Ruins

3.The Isle of Titty Traps

4.Ahske Village

5.The Vine Wall

6.Araknyd Temple Gates

7.Character Warfare

8.Arora Riva

9.Mini-Game Alert

10.Fire

11.Camouflage

12.Spector

13.X-ray Vision

14.Swords

15.Water

16.Vapor

17.Nightmares

18.Electricity

19.SK8

20.Eggs & Bacon

21.Hammer & Nails

22.Birds

23.Peaches & Oranges

24.Bandages

25.Teacups

26.Veggies

27.Bottle of Rum

28.I Hate Decaf

29.Gymnastics

30.Stinger

31.Metal Cowboy

32.Inked Up

33.Listen to My Mixtape

34.Mixed Animal Crackers

35.New Painting

36.Moving Painting

37.Imagine That

38.Precision & Accuracy

39.Spices

40.Dinosaur Babies

41.Infection

42.Hypnosis

43.Extracting Color

44.High Score

45.Cheaters

46.Beautiful Melody

47.Cannonball Slingshot

48.Rocks to Pebbles

49.Black Cat

50.Trees & Flowers

51.Graffiti

52.White Cat

53.Ice Cream

54.Action Figures

55.Sugar

56.Goo

57.Keys

58.Undead

59.Raw Flesh

60.Filet Mignon

61.Bass

62.Costume

63.Scene 1

64.Fortune

65.Egg Burger

66.Bullseye

67.Shadows

68.Cheddar

69.Shields

70.Guns

71.Mutations

72.North

73.Visuals

74.Fake Image

75.Magic

76.Journalism

77.Fairies

78.Robot Paul

79.Simultaneous

80.Paper

81.No Darkness

82.No Walls

83.Maybe Yesterday

84.What About Tomorrow?

85.Bright Blood

86.Daylight

87.Nightlight

88.What?

89.Shiny Walls

90.Force

91.Not A Comet

92.Seen by the Naked Eye

93.Ice

94.Storm

95.Boxes of Foxes

96.Ninja

97.Giraffe

98.Superpower

99.Kittens

100.Puppies

101.Room of Treasure

102.Radiation

103.Math & Science

104.Master Dragon

105.Life Potion

106.Sounds

107.Take 83

108.Spiders Matter

109.Peace

110.Sacred Power

111.Araknyd Awakened

112.A War to End

113.Genkin Kumo

114.Retreat

115.Araknyd Oasis

116.Final Blast

117.Wake Up, Paul

118.Mother’s Day

Chapter 16  Tomato Paul’s Biscuit Shop

1.The Biscuit Shop

2.The Employees

3.The Menu

4.The Competition

5.A Typical Day

6.Jack Stencil

7.Plane Rides with Everyone

8.The Damselfly Hotel

9.Musical Tables

10.Bingo

11.Archrivals

12.Poolside

13.Road Trip

14.Tournament Tactics

15.Preliminary Round

16.Semifinals

17.Final Round

18.Victory for Tomatoes

19.Booming Business

20.Cookie Power

Chapter 17  The Post-Game

1.Benny: Part 1

2.Chief Ro Ky

3.Mirage Fiesta

4.Agent Artays

5.Royalty

6.New Creatures

7.Old Creatures

8.Wicked

9.The Wrong Guy

10.Mystery Bags

11.Revealing Mirrors

12.Streets Were Calling

13.Sequels

14.Olin Friends

15.Light Emitting Diodes

16.Dino Might

17.What Are Clouds?

18.Benny: Part 2

19.The Special Room

20.Stuff

21.Second Floor

22.A Gift & A Curse

23.One in the Air

Chapter 18  DLC

1.Magic Food

2.Pnomoña

3.One Survivor

4.Apples, Peanuts, & Cheese

5.On the Loose

6.Pno Matter What

7.Spider Monkey

8.Bananas

9.Beautiful View

10.Forever Gears

11.Cafeteria

12.Gorilla

13.Pig

14.Scythe

15.Perfect Dimension

16.Distorted Wildlife

17.Confrontation

18.Xyz

19.Pno Knife

20.Mystic

DISCLAIMER: THIS BOOK IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT REFLECT THE AUTHOR’S TRUE PERCEPTION OF LIFE OR THE ACTUALITY OF THESE SITUATIONS. THIS BOOK DOES NOT DEPICT ANY SPECIFIC INDIVIDUAL OR INDIVIDUALS. THE READER’S INTERPRETATION IS ASSUMED. READER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.

RECOMMENDED FOR A MATURE AUDIENCE

A story about the love between a spider and a weapon.

She speaks. He knows. Spiders, Hearts, & Knives is art.

As the knives hang off the chain around my neck and point to my heart, and I watch the spider create its web, I hear someone ask me about what I’m watching.

I say, Well, I’m watching this little creature here.

He says, You mean that spider?

Why yes, mate, I tell him.

Then he says, Well, I don’t really care for spiders all that much.

Well, just look at what it’s doing, I suggest.

Then he looks, but he doesn’t understand.

I tell him it’s spiders, hearts, and knives. He asked why, and I explained...

Spiders, because they are the representation of the 8-step process, the 8-legged anatomy. Hearts, because in life, you can do good or evil, you can live or die, you can love or hate, and I would rather love than hate. It’s a purple heart though, because love is beautiful, yet love is poison. Knives are but the templates of a weapon, but what is a weapon? Is it something that was designed to kill? No. It was something that was designed to protect, to protect what you love, and I love spiders.

CHAPTER 1

Paul White

Do you know Paul White? No? Everybody knows Paul; you know, that kid with the spiked red hair and that dot in between his prodigious obsidian black eyes. Do you remember him now? No? I figured. You’re just like them. They all forgot about him. They left him there – to rot. There was never justice for Paul. There was never peace.

On the planet of Aclysys, anything was possible. The lands were luxuriant, and adventure awaited in every crevice of its existence. Our story begins in a town on that very planet called I’mela City in the land of Unicopia, in the year 1954 AW. (Consult the map at the back of the book to know where I’mela City is and where every other place is.)

Scene 1: A Gypsy’s Fortune

It was a dim and ominous night when a man named Danny White indisputably found himself driving to a bar downtown to cool down from the endeavors of the day. With just a couple miles remaining on the drive, he realized his vehicle was low on fuel. A nearby Five-On-It Patrol gas station was in sight, so he decided he would make a pit-stop before continuing his travels.

He pulled in, parked at a gas pump, and got out of his convertible black and white car. As he walked up to the convenience store to pay for his gas, he noticed a woman in a hooded light gray cloak with a red trim. Her hood was covering her face. Oddly, no one else was there except him and her. She stood there, idle, right next to the store. She was giving off a mysterious aura, and in a peculiar way, Danny was drawn to it. As he got closer to her, her aura intensified, and suddenly he had a feeling that he was in danger. He attempted to enter the store and avoid her, but right before he could grab the handle of the door, she spoke without removing the hood from her head.

You’re Mr. White, are you not? asked the mysterious woman.

A drop of sweat ran down Danny’s face.

Me? Danny asked, pointing to himself.

Yes, you. There is no one else here, said the woman.

How do you know my name? Danny asked, curious.

Maybe it was just a lucky guess, she said as she pulled her hood down over her face a bit more.

Danny was trembling with fear on the inside, but tried really hard to keep his composure.

A bit too lucky, don’t you think? he asked.

Actually, Mr. White, I don’t necessarily believe in luck; rather coincidence, said the woman.

Who are you? asked Danny with concern.

That is not important, she said sternly.

Have we met before? Danny inquired.

No, said the woman, shaking her head.

Danny felt as though he needed to end the conversation there. He turned away and walked toward the entrance of the store.

Wait, Mr. White! shouted the woman.

Ma’am, I don’t want any problems. I just want to get some gas for my car, said Danny.

What do you do for a profession? she asked.

Why do you ask? asked Danny.

You have the build of a businessman, said the woman as she looked him up and down.

I sell artifacts of self-defense, said Danny.

I’ll buy something from you if you pick one of my cards, the woman said as she pulled out a wad of currency.

Oh! Uh, well I do have a few items on me, said Danny, thinking of his on-person inventory.

Wonderful, she said, smiling through her cloak.

Okay, so what cards are you talking about? Are you a magician? asked Danny.

I know lots of magical tricks. Let’s just say that, she said. See here, I have a few cards.

Alright. Are these playing cards? Danny asked, looking at the cards.

I wouldn’t play with them, she said as she shuffled them.

Danny appeared apprehensive.

Just pick one, Mr. White, said the woman.

Um, alright, said Danny as he gulped, picked a card from the deck, and looked at it.

Let me see what you picked, said the woman as she slightly lifted her hood.

He showed her the card.

The spider, said the woman as she pulled her hood down over her face again. How very interesting indeed.

What does that mean? asked Danny.

Mr. White! I think someone is trying to steal your vehicle! the woman shouted as she pointed to his car.

Danny looked around to ensure that no one was stealing his car, and when he looked back, the woman had disappeared. Danny was horror-struck by her rapid disappearance. He thought about it for a moment, then shrugged and brushed it off for a moment. He walked into the store to pay for his gas. He pumped his gas and got back in his car. As he drove away, thoughts began running wild through his head.

Who the hell was that woman? She didn’t even tell me what that card meant.

He finally made it to the bar and made an entrance like he always did. He grabbed a seat at his usual spot and noticed a pretty silky-red-haired woman sitting in the seat next to him. They looked at each other in silence until the bartender came and greeted them both. It was a hell of an icebreaker for Danny. He found out her name was Marla, and after a couple Crown of Roses, the two quickly became fond of each other, leading to an irresponsible rendezvous at Danny’s place.

End scene.

Scene 2: Birth of Paul

July 11th, 1955

Nine months later, Danny and Marla found themselves in the hospital getting ready to bring new life into existence. Marla was screaming in excruciating pain while Danny was merely telling her to relax. Finally, a new life emerged. He had some very distinctive features. His eyes were humongous, he had coarse spiked red hair, a weird mole between his eyes, and his skin was very pale.

What’re you two going to name him? asked the nurse as she cleaned the baby.

We both agreed on Paul, the couple replied simultaneously.

The nurse took the baby from his parents, wrapped him in a pink silk scarf, and then gave the baby back to Marla. Danny and Marla smiled at their son who had finally arrived in the world.

It was time to take baby Paul home and begin their life as a new family. Five months prior to Paul’s arrival, the couple had gotten married and Danny had purchased a new two-story house with a grand backyard in a neighborhood near a haunted warehouse. The house itself rested on a street called Nightside Drive in a quiet neighborhood comprised of about one hundred homes. The I’mela Youth Academy was walking distance from the neighborhood. This was the primary school, presumably where Paul would attend when the time came.

Every day for the next three months, they watched baby Paul in his purest form – laughing and crying about every little thing. Marla would read him stories, some that she wrote, and some about an ocean called Exidis Ocean. Paul and his family lived by the ocean called Indigo Gems, which was the northern part of the world. Marla would tell him about the insane stuff that happens in Exidis Ocean. Her favorite story to tell him was one about a flower called the Grape Petals. It was a rare flower with beautiful violet petals, only found in a place called Cherry Acres somewhere in Exidis Ocean. It was told that this was the ideal flower of love, and that if you gave it to someone, they would fall in love with you. The thorns on the stem were so sharp that it made it impossible to pick the flower, and if you were to let the thorns touch your blood, it would poison you and you would die. Paul would cry at the end of that story every time she told it.

Marla also told Paul stories about creatures in a forbidden place called The Dark Realm. That was in the land of Unicopia where they lived. She would also tell little Paul lots of stories about an entity named Endai, who was said to have created the universe, and an entity named Beta, who was trying to destroy it. She said that Endai created the universe in eight components. There was a Messiah of Aclysys that was found by Endai to protect the eight components. Then she would tell him about a war some folks called the Cobweb War that caused a lot of obstruction on Aclysys. Danny would just shake his head, always saying the stories of Endai were a myth and he didn’t believe in stuff like that.

End scene.

Scene 3: Third Year

July 11th, 1958

Today was a very special day. It was Paul’s third birthday. Danny and Marla bought him a red velvet cupcake with vanilla icing and a single red and white striped candle. Paul grinned heavily and took a small bite, but it seemed as though he didn’t like the icing. Danny grabbed a rag and wiped the icing off his face as he went in to take another bite. Danny and Marla got Paul a gift, two things: a notebook and a set of colored pens. He was excited about the gifts. Then they played his favorite board game called RAT World, which was a game about little rats in cars. When they concluded the birthday ceremony, Danny went back into his room to sharpen some of his weapons, as he was a weapon dealer, and Marla went to type on her typewriter, as she was an author.

Paul, for the first time, asked if he could go outside. Paul had never been outside by himself. The farthest he could go would’ve been as far as the backyard stretched, and it was a fairly large backyard with a few features. Danny and Marla looked at each other and contemplated. Danny opened the door and let Paul walk outside.

The backyard was comprised of a flat grassy area that led to a hill, which then led to a creek. The flat grassy area looked a bit decayed, with shavings of nature lying everywhere. The grass started to look a bit lusher as you got closer to the hill. Further down the hill was covered with glossy green grass. The bottom of the hill flattened into a creek. There were giant crayfish and lamprey in the creek, and there was much bug life among the trees.

Paul was so excited, he didn’t know where to start. He walked to the hill, rolled down it, and screamed with joy. He had never experienced nature like this before, and that’s when something caught his attention. There was a big tree by the creek. It was the biggest tree in the backyard, extremely high in stature and extremely thick. A copious number of branches protruded from the tree’s trunk.

He walked closer to the tree and grazed his palm on the bark. He saw many critters crawling all over the tree, but one critter in particular caught his eyes. He spotted a small black spider floating in the middle of the air underneath one of the branches. As he got closer, he started to faintly see the invisible material the spider was hanging from. Then it did something incredible. The spider trickled down to the branch below and used its front two legs to fasten the point it had stopped at. It then used its next pair of legs to finalize the procedure. It’s hind two legs were still holding onto the invisible material. The third set of legs were on guard for any potential threats.

After the point was established, it moved over a millimeter and twiddled its way back up to the top. It did the same thing at the top, moved over, and dropped down again. It continued to repeat this until a grid formed. It then started filling in the open spaces of the grid.

Paul watched the spider create. Cobweb. It created pictures of the present and the past. It told Paul he could do anything. It told Paul he could explore and conquer. It told Paul about 8. What was 8? 8 legs. 8 steps. The 8th Dimension. The X axis would be the 1st Dimension, and the Y axis would be the 2nd Dimension. We as reality (a.k.a. the Z axis) gave the X and Y axis depth, causing a third dimension to occur. This means that reality naturally exists on the 3rd Dimension. The next dimension after that would only be labeled as the 4th Dimension, and anything that happens in this dimension defies all logic of the 3rd Dimension, when the natural became supernatural. When you realized you had the ability to shift dimensions, you wanted to go into overdrive. That brought you to the 5th Dimension, and the 5th shall be pled. Quietly, you were brought to the 6th Dimension. This dimension was sinister and problematic, and had to be fought and prevailed through. Promised to those who survived was entrance to the 7th Dimension. In this dimension, an audible wavelength could be received of the most drowned out silence within silence. It was the dimension that completed kinetic composure within existence outside of existence. It was told there was a dimension that exceeded the 7th Dimension. That dimension was 8, and Paul saw and understood it.

Paul reached out to the spider. He wanted to hold it. He wanted to connect with it. He picked it from its web, held it in the palm of his hand, and watched it crawl up his arm. That spider was a black widow, and it bit him. Paul screeched and shook the spider off of him. He began to feel dizzy and dropped to his knees. He stared at the spider as it crawled back to its web. He smiled and fell to an unconscious state.

Paul woke up in his bed. He noticed he had a bandage on his arm and instantly remembered what happened. The spider bit him and he remembered the pain; he remembered the poison. He wanted to experience more.

Paul crawled out of his bed and went to look for his parents. He could hear them in their room down the hallway. It sounded like his mother was crying, and his father was trying to comfort her. Paul turned the knob and entered the room.

Paul! You’re okay! shouted Marla.

Yes, mommy. What happened? asked Paul.

We found you passed out by the big tree in the backyard. Something bit you, said Marla.

Paul wanted to ask if he could go back outside. He knew his parents wouldn’t let him, but it was worth a shot.

May I go back outside? asked Paul.

No, Paul, said Danny.

Why? asked Paul with puppy dog eyes.

What do you mean why? It is too dangerous for you outside, said Danny.

It is not, Paul pouted.

It is too! You got hurt outside. We will worry, said Marla.

I won’t! shouted Paul.

You can say that, but you have no control over what happens outside, said Danny.

I can control where I go, said Paul with assurance.

Danny saw how eager the boy was to go back outside.

I tell you what, you have to promise us that you will not go near the big tree, said Danny.

I promise you I won’t, said Paul.

Don’t make promises you can’t keep, Paul, said Danny.

Paul gulped and replied, Okay.

Danny opened the backdoor and let Paul run outside.

Don’t even go near the hill, Paul, said Danny.

Yes, dad, answered Paul.

Paul played for hours on the flat grass that was before the hill, and watched his parents watch him. He couldn’t return to the tree until they left. He noticed that Danny got up and walked away, probably to tend to his weapons. Marla, shortly after, moved to the living room and got caught up in her writing. The coast seemed to be clear, and as soon as his parents left, he ran down the hill to the big tree.

Paul remembered to bring his notebook and colored pens outside with him. He sat by the creek and tried recreating the spider web that the black widow made. He put much detail into the web just as the black widow did. He made sure to stay clear of the spider, because this time he was aware of the danger it presented. He then drew the black widow on the next page. He didn’t know how to write yet, but he could draw. It was after his first drawing that the idea was born to draw in that notebook all the spiders he discovered. From that point, little Paul snuck to the big tree to look for more of the eight-legged creatures.

Almost every other day, Paul found himself sneaking to that tree. It was like that until one day, his parents told him that school would be starting for him soon. Paul was so excited to learn how to read and write so he could explain his discoveries better.

End scene.

Scene 4: Youth Academy

August 15th, 1960

The sun rose, and a new day began. Today was the beginning of kindergarten at I’mela Youth Academy. Paul woke up, excited to see what school had to offer. He looked out his window and saw kids walking to the entrance of the neighborhood to wait for the bus that would take them to school. He stripped off his pajamas and put on the uniform Marla bought from the school a week before: a white button-up shirt, some navy blue pants, and some all-black dress shoes. He grabbed his notebook and his colored pens and threw them into the backpack that Marla bought him as well.

He ran to the front door, ready to begin his adventure. He was ecstatic to meet new faces because he had never met any other kids before.

Paul, did you brush your teeth? asked Marla.

No, mother, said Paul.

Well go brush your teeth; we are not going anywhere until you do, Marla said.

Marla was about to walk with him to the bus stop, but he insisted that she didn’t. She told him she was going to watch him until he got on the bus. When he approached the other kids, they all looked at him peculiarly. He opened his mouth to say hello, and they all took a couple steps back.

Why are his eyes so big? one kid asked under his breath.

What’s wrong with your eyes, you freak? another one said right to Paul’s face. What’s up with that giant mole!?

When he got on the bus, nobody wanted to sit with him. It was at this moment that Paul knew he was going to have a bad time at school. It was obvious from what he had just experienced. When the bus arrived at school, Paul waited for everyone to get off.

Get the hell off my bus, you little weirdo! the bus driver screamed.

Paul thought it couldn’t have gotten any worse. When he entered the schoolhouse, he was asked for his name, then was directed to a classroom. When he walked into the classroom, he saw a variety of different kids, many that didn’t live in his neighborhood or ride his bus. They all looked at him funny, and every time he sat next to someone, they would move away.

He sat next to one boy that was also by himself, and when he sat, the boy didn’t get up.

Hello, friend, said Paul.

Hello there, said the boy.

What’s your name? asked Paul.

My name is Benjamin Charles III, but you can call me Benny, said Benny.

Nice to meet you, Benny! exclaimed Paul.

Likewise! What’s your name? asked Benny.

Oh, well I’m Paul, said Paul.

Nice to meet you, Paul, said Benny.

Why are you sitting by yourself? Do the other kids not like you either? asked Paul.

Of course not, why would you think that? I know most of these kids from the playground. They just aren’t as cool as me, said Benny.

Oh wow, you seem so cool, Benny, said Paul.

I’m pretty awesome. What about you, Paul? I saw you trying to sit next to people, said Benny.

Everybody just seems to not like me. I haven’t even said anything to anybody, replied Paul.

Paul smiled at Benny, and then Benny showed Paul his necklace.

That’s really neat. Where did you get that? asked Paul as he gazed upon the artifact.

My dad gave it to me. It’s an Ighrokian Talisman. My dad said we are descendants of the Ighroki Tribe, said Benny.

What’s that? asked Paul.

It’s a group of people that live somewhere by Exidis Ocean, said Benny.

Where is that? asked Paul.

It’s the southern part of the world. We’re not supposed to go to Exidis Ocean, said Benny.

Why? asked Paul, vaguely remembering his mother saying something similar.

I don’t know, said Benny.

You know, come to think of it, my mother used to tell me stories about that place, said Paul.

Yeah, Paul. I bet you’ll learn a lot more from me than you will from the school, said Benny.

Well, I’m always going to listen, Benny. Do you like these? asked Paul.

Paul pulled out his notebook and showed it to Benny. With a sparkle in his eyes, Benny smiled.

I love spiders! My dad is an arachnologist, said Benny.

What the heck is that!? asked Paul with excitement.

He studies spiders, said Benny.

So you can help me fill out the book? asked Paul.

Well, sure. Maybe if I take it home, I can bring it back tomorrow filled up with all types of information, said Benny.

Well, I don’t know if I want to let you take it home, said Paul.

I promise nothing will happen to it, and I will bring it right back tomorrow, said Benny.

The teacher came in and told all the children to be quiet because class was about to start. Paul put the notebook aside.

Hello, class. My name is Mrs. Reiric, and I will be your teacher this year. Welcome to kindergarten! she said as she grabbed some papers off her desk and handed one to each child. Today we will learn how to write our names. This is so you can learn the letters of the alphabet, and so I can learn your names.

As the teacher proceeded with her lesson for the day, Paul handed Benny the notebook. When Benny tried to take it from him, at first Paul had a swift bound grasp on it, but then he released it.

You have my word that I will keep it safe, said Benny as he took it.

For some strange reason, I trust you, friend, said Paul with a twitch.

The next day, Paul walked into the classroom, still shunned by everyone, and took a seat in the back. He didn’t see Benny, and began to worry about his notebook. As minutes passed, Benny was still absent, and Paul was getting anxious. He couldn’t pay attention to what the teacher was saying because his mind was racing.

Where could he possibly be? I knew I shouldn’t have lent him my book, thought Paul.

Just then, Benny walked into the room covered in mud. He walked to the teacher and started to talk to her in private. Paul got up and inched a little bit closer to the two to eavesdrop on the conversation. He overheard Benny tell her that he fell off his bike on the way to school and got injured. When their conversation ended, Paul quickly acted like he wasn’t eavesdropping, and walked back to his seat in the back. Benny walked over to Paul, plopped his backpack on the table, and sat down. He looked at Paul with his mud-covered face and smiled.

Are you ready, Paul? asked Benny.

For what? Paul asked as if he didn’t know what Benny was talking about.

For your semi-completed book, said Benny.

Benny opened up his backpack and pulled out Paul’s notebook. An addition was made to the cover. There was a huge silhouette of a spider on it. Paul opened his eyes wide as he took it from Benny and opened it up. The book had all of Paul’s original artwork, but there were many words added to each page.

Well, what do you think? Benny asked as Paul closed the notebook and grinned.

Well, I can’t read, said Paul.

The two laughed immensely, put everything away, and got in tune with the teacher’s lesson for day two of the youth academy.

End scene.

Scene 5: Little Kids

Weeks passed by, and the children had learned to write their names, the teacher learned everyone’s name, and the students all knew each other. Paul still was a little behind. Every now and again, his mother would try to help him at home, but Marla was always too busy writing her books, and at times failed to help Paul.

One day at school, the teacher took a break from her lesson and walked out of the classroom. When she left, a small girl walked over to the table with Benny and Paul.

What are you doing, Benny? asked the girl.

Hanging out with my friend Paul, Benny replied to her.

You’re hanging out with that freak? asked the girl.

Don’t call him that, Miranda, said Benny.

Look at that big mole between his eyes, said the one known as Miranda, rudely.

Paul looked at Miranda and stuck his tongue out at her. Miranda got upset and dared Paul to stick his tongue out again.

If you do it, I’ll get my brother to beat you up, said Miranda.

Miranda, leave Paul alone, said Benny.

He’s the one being rude, Miranda said as a rebuttal.

No, you’re the one being rude, said Paul.

Paul stuck his tongue out again. Miranda got mad again and started to cry. That’s when a large boy, bigger than Paul and Benny, walked over to the table.

Who made my sister cry? asked the larger boy.

Mason, go away. She started crying by herself! said Benny, trying to defend Paul.

No, that freak stuck his tongue out at me! said Miranda.

The one known as Mason looked at Paul with a stern face.

So you wanna pick on girls? asked Mason.

I never did anything, dummy head, replied Paul.

I’m not a dummy head. You’re messing with the wrong kid, you freak, said Mason, huffing and puffing.

Call me a freak again, insisted Paul.

Freak! shouted Mason, getting even louder.

Paul got up from his seat and lunged himself into Mason. Mason caught him, put him in a headlock, kneed Paul in the stomach, and slammed him down to the floor. Paul threw up a ball of saliva and held his stomach tight. Then Mason brought his foot back and kicked Paul right in the mole between his eyes. Immediately, Mason was flung back to the wall behind them. He slammed smack-dab into the wall on his back, then he slowly slid down the wall and fell to the floor, facedown. He left a big crack in the wall.

Paul ran to the corner of the room and got into a fetal position. All the students were looking in astonishment at Mason as he laid there. Miranda started crying more, and Benny looked at Paul. When the teacher walked in, she saw the disaster immediately. All the kids were stunned. Paul was in the corner, and Mason was on the floor. It looked like he was dead.

What the heck happened here!? I was literally gone for ten minutes! exclaimed Mrs. Reiric.

All the kids just looked at her. Benny stood up and started explaining.

Mason came over to our table and started arguing with Paul, and then he kneed Paul in the stomach and kicked him in the face. Then Mason just…flew back, said Benny.

What do you mean he just flew back? Mrs. Reiric asked, appalled.

He just flew, Mrs. Reiric, said Benny.

She looked around once more. All the kids looked scared and confused. The school nurse came and checked Mason’s pulse. Luckily, he was still alive, but he was unresponsive. She told Mrs. Reiric that the police had to be called because a child underwent serious injury. The police and the ambulance came, and Mason was taken away on a stretcher. The police then questioned Mrs. Reiric. Mrs. Reiric told them what Benny explained to her. When they questioned Benny, he said the same thing. The police surveyed the crime scene, and made the conclusion that it was impossible for Paul to have hurled him against the wall like that, so they left.

When the police left, Mrs. Reiric called Marla and told her what happened. She told her that Paul had to go home because of what happened. While waiting for Marla, Mrs. Reiric took Paul out of the classroom and told him to sit in the hallway until his mother arrived. When she arrived, she looked at Paul with a solicitous expression. She grabbed his hand and they walked home because Danny was in West Yon with the car. On the walk home, Marla started questioning her son.

Did you hurt that kid, Paul? Marla asked her son.

No, mommy, he hurt me, Paul replied.

How did it happen? she asked.

I don’t know, mommy. He kicked me in the face, said Paul.

Marla noticed that the mole between Paul’s eyes was pulsating red and brown. She brushed the thought off as the mole stopped pulsating. Paul was completely unaware that it was even doing that.

End scene.

Scene 6: Back to School

Paul returned to school after a couple days. When he walked into the classroom, he indeed made an entrance. Everybody stared at him, but not the way they usually did. Everyone was afraid of Paul, and it was like that every day. He became the local outcast.

It was the final year of youth academy, the end of a chapter in a young child’s life. Paul couldn’t wait for the school year to be over. All the kids, even the teachers, either hated him or feared him – except for Benny. Miranda, the girl whose brother got tossed across the room, hated him the most, maybe because she thought he was weird, or maybe it was because he blasted her brother into the wall and left him immobile. Either way, she would never talk to him.

Benny would always come to check on his friend Paul, but found himself avoiding him to keep his face card consistent. Paul understood the avoidance and never tried to interfere when there was a possibility of interference. Due to the isolation from the student body and faculty, Paul didn’t learn what he needed to learn such as basic reading and writing. Many people thought Paul was dumb. Marla never seemed to help him, and Danny was always too busy with his weapons. Benny would have helped him, but Benny’s mom insisted that he stay away from Paul, both inside and outside the schoolhouse because of that incident a few years back. Now Paul’s only friend could barely be his friend.

End scene.

Scene 7: Friendly Wagers

Secondary school started, and Paul wound up going to a different school in East Yon. Every day when Paul got home from school, there was a problem at the house. His father adopted a new bad habit, being an alcoholic due to work and home-related activities. If Danny wasn’t drunk at home, he was at the bar getting absolutely wasted. The nights when he was at the bar, he would come home a total mess. Paul even witnessed Danny hitting his mother a few times. Danny was never nice to Paul, he drank all their money away, and both Paul and Marla got small rations of an already small ration of food. Life just seemed to be going downhill.

One day, a knock was heard at the door, and Danny went to answer it. He looked through the peephole and saw a short, yet lanky woman standing there waiting to be greeted. Danny unlocked and opened the door.

Is this the White residence? she asked.

Maybe. Who are you? replied Danny.

My name is Alicia Charles. Are you Paul’s father? asked the one known as Alicia Charles.

What business do you have here, lady? asked Danny.

Mr. White, my son Benjamin says that he is friends with your boy, said Alicia.

My son doesn’t have any friends, said Danny.

Well, he said he was his friend, and he was worried about your son. He said that he hadn’t seen your son all school year, said Alicia.

Paul doesn’t go to the same school your son goes to. He goes to a school in East Yon, said Danny, getting ready to close the door.

Is it because of that thing that happened? asked Alicia.

Danny opened his eyes wide.

What the hell are you referring to, lady? asked Danny.

Your son is the one that made that boy fly across the room, said Alicia.

My son is not responsible for anything, said Danny.

Listen, I could care less at this point, Mr. White. I just want you to relay the message to your son that our family is moving to The Kingdom of Unicopia, said Alicia.

Oh, so you’re one of them rich folks, huh, said Danny.

Well, my husband is an arachnologist, said Alicia.

What the hell is that? asked Danny with little interest.

He studies spiders, and I guess you could say he makes a pretty penny, said Alicia.

Well tell your spider husband and your son that we don’t want any, said Danny.

You don’t want any what? asked Alicia.

Danny slammed the door in the woman’s face, and went back to his room. Marla asked who was at the door.

Bill collectors, Danny told her.

Paul was in the living room watching a cartoon about a group of three kids that always went on grand excursions. He was daydreaming about having two friends like that who loved him and would go on perilous adventures with him like the kids in the cartoon. Danny walked in and cut the television off, snapping Paul back to reality.

Why’d you cut the television off!? It was just getting to the best part, said Paul, upset.

Your friend Benjamin is moving away, Danny murmured.

Benny!? exclaimed Paul in shock and disbelief.

I guess, now go to your room! shouted Danny.

Wait, why? asked Paul.

Because... I don’t know, because I said so, said Danny.

Paul walked to his room, heartbroken, because his only friend was now moving away. When the sun started to set, Marla went to sleep, and Danny was passed out in the living room, laying among a pile of beer bottles with a news channel playing on the television. It was his chance to sneak out.

With little thought of getting in trouble, Paul managed to sneak out through the back door and into the backyard. He went straight to the big tree and started to cry. His thoughts began to race. His dad had become an abusive drunk. His mom seemed to be too fragile to speak on her own behalf anymore. The house was dirty; it smelled like beer and cheap liquor all the time. People either just hated him, or they hated him and bullied him. On top of all that, his best friend was moving away. What else was there to lose except his life. Paul wasn’t thinking straight. He didn’t care about anything. He climbed over the fence between the backyard and the outside world.

End scene.

Scene 8: New Bullies

When Paul got to the other side of the fence, he started to walk down the street. The farther he walked, the more he started to hear voices of other kids. He was interested to see who the noises were coming from. By this time, the night sky was live, and all the streetlights were on. He kept walking until he saw a group of kids standing on the corner. He hadn’t walked too far from the house, but he was still walking in the darkness. He hollered to get their attention.

Hey! Paul screamed.

Look, boss; it’s some kid, said one of the kids to the presumed boss.

Hey! Hey! Paul kept screaming.

Paul continued to scream, and the group finally started to walk toward him. The boss approached Paul and became the speaker of the group; a tall chubby fellow he was, with a light blue cap turned to the back, and one long patch of blonde hair running outside the strap.

Who the hell are you, kid? asked the boss.

Well, friend, my name is Paul, said Paul.

I ain’t your friend, said the boss.

Well, can we be friends? asked Paul.

I don’t do new friends, kid, said the boss.

Hey, Ty, what should we do with the little twerp? asked one of the other kids.

I don’t know. Let’s beat him up and tie him to a tree, insisted the boss.

Paul heard this and immediately got shook.

Wait, guys, why do you want to do that? asked Paul.

Because it’s five against one, you little weirdo, said the boss.

Five kids surrounded Paul. One kid had a wooden baseball bat. Paul was only concerned about the bat. He thought that maybe if he allowed the beating to occur, and didn’t give them an incentive to use the bat, then he would be okay.

They closed in on him and he crouched in fear. A drop of sweat rushed down the left side of his cheek. One kid balled a fist up, brought his hand back, and launched a huge punch into Paul’s stomach. Some mucus came out of his nose, and a lot of spit came out of his mouth onto the kid. Paul flew back a little bit, falling to the ground.

Did you just spit in my face!? shouted the kid.

Paul couldn’t breathe and was left unresponsive. The kid ran over to him and grabbed him by his hair. He threw Paul down onto the ground, and the other kids started to kick him. One kid kicked the defined side of Paul’s mole. The kid’s leg flew back with immense force, and he did a full 360-degree turn, with his leg leading his projection. The group watched as the boy barely escaped fatal injury.

What the hell was that!? asked one of the kids.

I don’t know, go check to see if he is okay. Wait, this is the kid that did that crazy stuff to Mason. My dad and I always said we wanted to kill that little witchcraft boy, said the boss known as Ty.

Ty took the bat from his friend. Paul didn’t have a chance to think before he was hit over the head with the bat. Paul went out cold, and as his consciousness was slipping away, he could hear faint arguing in the background.

Damn, Ty, you hit him too hard, said one of the boys.

I think he’s bleeding! What do we do? asked another boy.

I wanna finish him off, but we gotta get the hell out of here before anybody sees! shouted Ty.

The group scurried away and left Paul there, beaten and weak.

End scene.

Scene 9: Benny Saves the Day

A kid was coming down the street on a bike. The kid saw Paul in the distance lying on the ground, and pedaled as fast as he could over to him.

Oh no, that’s Paul! shouted the kid.

The kid dropped his bike, and ran to Paul, who was lying in a small puddle of blood. The kid checked Paul’s pulse and saw that he was still alive.

Paul! It’s Benny! shouted Benny.

Paul quickly opened his eyes.

What happened? asked Paul, groaning with pain.

I don’t know, man, I just got here. I was coming over here to see you, said Benny.

Where did those other kids go? asked Paul.

What other kids? I told you, I just got here, said Benny.

There were other kids here, stated Paul.

Did they do this to you? asked Benny with concern.

Probably, said Paul. Most likely.

Okay, well you’re bleeding really bad from your head. Let’s get you out of here, said Benny.

As Benny helped Paul get back to the fence, he explained how he was moving away, but that he was going to try his hardest to stay in touch. Paul cried a lot and hugged Benny.

I’m going to miss you a lot, my friend, said Paul.

I’m going to miss you too. Don’t worry, I’ll come see you every chance I get, said Benny.

Before Benny left, he gave Paul a pouch with an eyeball on it.

This pouch is used for enclosing souls, said Benny in an epic manner.

What kind of souls? asked Paul.

Important ones. You might need it one day, said Benny.

Thank you so much, Benny, said Paul.

Paul, we’ll meet again one day, said Benny.

Paul hugged Benny one last time and watched him ride away. He looked up at the sky and saw a series of stars that resembled a spider. Is that for me? he wondered as he climbed back over the fence to go back inside his house. When he got inside, there was a breaking news report on the television. He listened to the broadcast.

Sources tell us that three men have broken out from the Unicopian National Prison. They believe two men who broke out of prison about two years ago are behind the breakout. These men go by the names of Tobius and Matius Piste, both convicted of murder and other heinous crimes. We are not certain, but sources indicate that the individuals that broke out today have ties to the Piste brothers. In a summation of this information, all these men are currently on the loose, highly unpredictable, and extremely dangerous. Keep your children indoors, and keep your doors locked. Please stay tuned for more updates. I’m Richard Pleasure and this is Channel 6 News, said Richard Pleasure.

Paul remembered the newsflash and informed his parents about it. Danny didn’t seem to care much, and Marla just listened. Paul said to himself that he wouldn’t sneak out anymore, or go outside period for that matter. Paul continued an everyday schedule of going to school and coming straight home. At least the kids he came into contact with that one night didn’t go to his school, because he went to school in a whole different city. He just wanted to stay clear of the activity reported by the news. As time went on, there were news reports about more prison breaks. Apparently, specific people were escaping the jail – murderers, thieves, occupations of this nature. Paul just kept his guard up the best he could.

End scene.

Scene 10: Sophomore Year

Sophomore year of high school came around, and some of those kids that Paul met on the streets also attended his school, the local high school. Paul understood the ropes of high school. Although he learned how to move a little bit better each day around all the kids, especially that kid Ty, he still stole a knife from his dad’s collection and carried it with him in his pocket all the time.

The only real things that kept him sane at school were his notebook and the strange pouch that Benny gave him. In science class, they were talking about Aclysys’s mantle, and Paul was sitting at his table alone staring at his prized possessions. Ty walked over to him.

Whatcha’ got there, ketchup brain? asked Ty.

Nothing, said Paul.

Ty snatched the pouch from Paul and started manhandling it.

Give it back! screamed Paul.

Make me, loser! said Ty, teasing Paul.

Please give it back! insisted Paul.

Let’s open it and see what’s inside, said Ty.

No! Just give it back! shouted Paul.

Paul started jumping on Ty, trying to retrieve the pouch. Ty kept shoving him off. The other students were just laughing.

Here, dweeb, take your pouch, said Ty.

Ty threw the pouch in the air, and Paul caught it. While Paul was being distracted by all that, one of Ty’s friends grabbed Paul’s notebook.

Hey, Ty! Catch! shouted another boy, who threw the notebook to Ty.

Look what we have here. Is this your diary? asked Ty.

Paul had enough. He pulled the knife out from his pocket.

Oh fuck, said Ty as he gulped.

Give me the book back now! demanded Paul.

Or what? asked Ty.

Paul lunged toward Ty and was getting ready to use the knife. Ty flinched and got ready for the knife’s impact, but right before the blade made contact, the teacher walked back into the room and stopped everything.

Paul! You’re in big trouble! shouted the teacher.